Eating, drinking, speaking, cleaning.

All orthodontic appliances may take some getting used to, as your tongue accommodates to the extra bulk now in your mouth. You may therefore have a slight lisp for a day or so.

Our advice is to persevere - practice speaking as much as you can, e.g. by reading out loud or singing along to a CD and you will soon stop noticing the difference.

Orthodontic appliances are highly technical devices which can be damaged by hard or sticky food! Try to limit toffees, hard apples, crusty bread, etc.  Cut up the hard foods into small pieces before chewing carefully.

Do avoid fizzy drinks of all kinds - particularly if you are wearing fixed appliances. The acid in these drinks can lurk around and behind the appliances and cause decalcification or even decay (holes) very quickly. Even an occasional drink can cause damage and we would rather you reduced the risk involved. If you do continue to drink fizzy drinks, it is best to reduce their contact with your teeth e.g. by drinking through a straw.

Your mouth will also become a little more challenging to keep clean particularly if you are wearing fixed appliances.  It is important that you brush your teeth thoroughly every day with a small headed toothbrush:

Decalcification caused by fizzy drinks.

In addition.